Nov 27, 2008

India - Hundreds held hostage inside Taj,Trident;firing on

More than 100 people have been killed and hundreds injured in a series of well-coordinated terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Terrorists, who apparently came in by boats, struck at 10 places in south Mumbai including five-star hotels, hospitals and train stations.

There is a desperate hostage situation in at least two locations -- the Taj and the Trident hotels. In the Taj Colaba, at least 100 people are believed to be trapped probably held hostage by terrorists.

Several staff members at the hotels have been killed, including two at Trident. Gunshots continue to be heard.

At least 12 policemen have been killed across the city, including the head of the Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad Hemant Karkare, who was shot three times in the chest.

Well-known encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar is also dead. Additional Commissioner of Police Sadanand Date is critical. Every top line anti-terror force in the country has been pushed into Mumbai including commandos of the National Security Guard, Marine Commandos and Army commandos.

A little-known outfit, the Deccan Mujahiddeen, has claimed the responsibility for these attacks.

Five terrorists have been killed and nine arrested inside the Taj hotel and 3-4 of them are still holed up.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has said that Taj and Trident are still not under control.

"Encounter is on between police and terrorists at Taj and Trident. Our people have surrounded them and the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) team has arrived at the Taj hotel," A N Roy, Deputy Police Commissioner.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil has reached Mumbai.

Many foreigners have been held hostage by the terrorists. "Gunmen took 15 hostages and half of them foreigners," said an eye-witness at Taj hotel.

"Gunmen wanted anyone with British or American passport," said another eye-witness.

There are also reports of low intensity blast in Ville Parle and grenade attack in Santa Cruz. Two blasts have been reported in Napean Sea road area of south Mumbai.

Police sources are investigating a boat, which anchored off Mumbai harbour. It all started with incidents of firing in Colaba and near CST station. One policeman was injured in the firing.